The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just found Petag responsible for the tainted formula that sickened and killed infant animals. An independent lab analysis of the product showed insufficient nutrition, extreme levels of fiber and toxic levels of heavy metal copper.

January 29, 2010 the FDA finished their investigation into Petag. Petag is the number one manufacturer of kitten and puppy milk in the world as per the company's website. Their formulas KMR and Esbilac sickened and killed many animals in 2009. These formulas are also used for orphaned wildlife such as cheetahs, raccoons, squirrels and opossums who also died.

Only after the FDA began their investigation did Petag publicly admit on their website that their KMR kitten formula was bad and should not be used. This was after months of reports of kittens and other animals who got diarrhea and died. Even though the company admitted on their website that they received multiple complaints CEO and co-owner George Gill told the FDA that they only received one complaint.

COO and company owner Darlene Frudakis admitted in a December 17, 2009 radio interview on "Where the fur flies" that their KMR formula was spoiled from heat and should not be used. Unfortunately Frudakis did not alert consumers or distributors of the problems with the product. She merely posted a small note on the company website. The tainted product is still on store shelves. The FDA does not have the power to force recalls on pet food items. The company must initiate their own recalls. Petag has not done this.

When informed about the spoiled formula from consumers Pet Sense pet stores removed all of the product from their 31 stores nationwide. One manager of one Petco store removed the tainted product after consumer complaints. It is not known at this time if Petco or PetSmart removed all of the tainted formula from all of their stores nationwide. The tainted KMR smells rancid and appears more yellow than white. Do not use this formula.

Animal Advocates in Los Angeles, California was the organization which made the initial report to the FDA. More information about the problems is available on the Animal Advocates website. http://www.AnimalAdvocates.us

I look after orphaned kittens for a cat rescue group and had a can of the tainted KMR formula. I was sick when I realized it was bad. My 6 day old babies were in trouble--diarrhea which I had never seen in newborns before (usually the opposite problem). This resulted in many baths (only 2 at a time so they all weren't cold) for the six kittens. It was a huge workload and I lost one of the babies. I felt so guilty. When I called the company they did not feel bad and made me feel stupid by asking me why I continued to feed the babies with formula that didn't appear right. They did not need to place the blame on me. I was sent a replacement can (not any where near enough payment for all I had gone through--suffering of the kittens, laundry, endless baths, constant worry and dealing with the death of an innocent baby. I was told to just watch out for batches that expire in April/11 as they were still out on the shelves as they weren't being recalled. I was appalled at the total disregard and lack of concern for the innocent babies. Newcomers to trying to bottle feed babies would not realized something was wrong. The can became more rancid smelling as time went on which is why it took me 4 days to discover the problem. Why aren't they held accountable--animals have feelings too.

The product is vacuum sealed. Bacteria cannot enter the package after it leaves the factory. Heat alone won't cause bacteria to enter the sealed package. The formula spoiled because they put bacteria laden ingredients into the package at the factory. The radio interview said it was rancid corn oil. The company is responsible. No amount of ridiculous spin by Darlene Frudakis can change that. It was not caused from heat after the product left the factory. It was caused because Darlene ONLY cares about money. She doesn't even like animals.

The company has money problems. They probably bought rancid corn oil because it was cheaper. They don't care about killing your pets. People should never buy any products from this despicable company. Everyone affected by the formulas should sue them and Petco for carrying the products. Filing Number: 012928491 Filing Date: 02-04-2008 Filing Jurisdiction: ILLINOIS Filing History: FILING TYPE FILING DATE

I used KMR last season for skunks and bobcats. They all died. I've been rehabbing these species for over ten years and could not fathom what was wrong. Not only did they get diarrhea but their immune systems were shot. I lost every single one, over 50 animals. I used a formula from a different company for my other species and they survived and were healthy. Because I unknowingly used the tainted formula they wouldn't even refund me the money. This company told me that I shouldn't have used the formula. How was I to know? They didn't tell me not to use it. I am very angry at this company.

Toyota made cars that killed people. They recalled the cars even though it hurt their business. Petag made baby formula that killed babies. They have not recalled the product. Instead they are blaming the consumer or shipper for letting the sealed product to get warm. That is the biggest slap in the face. People need to sue this company. Money is all they understand. Their company is supposed to be about helping and saving animals. Instead they intentionally murder baby animals.

I emailed the company asking for answers and comments. Instead they threatened to sue me if I posted the FDA report or wrote an article about the report. Freedom of the press. What she did was illegal. Then this crazy lady says she will report me for "product disparagement" to the FDA. How's that for a laugh? More great quotes will be in the article. Article due out Monday. Keep your eyes peeled to Google news.

I have been conversing with PetAg™ since last July when I lost thirteen neonate raccoons to what I suspected was tainted KMR™. They have not once mentioned the FDA investigation or writeup. I had my own independent analysis done by two concerns, as well as submitted a sampling to Pet Ag™. All three denoted some discrepancies but never did Pet™Ag acknowledge out right they were responsible. They even sent me -free of charge - a case(6) of 28ounce containers of KMR as a token of wishing to make things right.
Now this report is revealed and wonder of wonders the very same issues of lacking of some and over abundance of another of ingredients appears ( as was evident in the analysis I had done by the NYS Ag&Market and the NYS Wildlife Path Lab's findings), I have to ask on what grounds would they possibly feel the right to threaten you. I am seriously considering looking into a class action suite at this time.I have kept all the e-mail conversations regarding all of this from all agencies and company contacts since July... so yes I do have substantial material regarding this issue. I even have one e-mail requesting I send ALL my remaining KMR back to them(I did no such thing). I am very disturbed that they have not owned up to what they have done. Much as Toyota™ has tried to pull the wool over the public's' eyes I feel PetAg™
Deirdre Ann Wilczak
Member: NWRA, CWRA, NYSWRC
Wild Blue Yonder Wildlife Rehab & Release
http://www.cafepress.com/wildbleuyonder
“Our foster wild baby animals helping to raise funds for their continued care”
NYS –RVS- amended Wildlife Rehabilitator; class II
Primarily Raccoons & Skunks –but there is always a soft spot for the other small, furry babies.
NYS licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control

I have been conversing with PetAg™ since last July when I lost thirteen neonate raccoons to what I suspected was tainted KMR™. They have not once mentioned the FDA investigation or writeup. I had my own independent analysis done by two concerns, as well as submitted a sampling to Pet Ag™. All three denoted some discrepancies but never did Pet™Ag acknowledge out right they were responsible. They even sent me -free of charge - a case(6) of 28ounce containers of KMR as a token of wishing to make things right. Now this report is revealed and wonder of wonders the very same issues of lacking of some and over abundance of another of ingredients appears ( as was evident in the analysis I had done by the NYS Ag&Market and the NYS Wildlife Path Lab's findings), I have to ask on what grounds would they possibly feel the right to threaten you. I am seriously considering looking into a class action suite at this time.I have kept all the e-mail conversations regarding all of this from all agencies and company contacts since July... so yes I do have substantial material regarding this issue. I even have one e-mail requesting I send ALL my remaining KMR back to them(I did no such thing). Also I can only assume I'm the only wildlife rehabilitator to complain as per the response from Pet Ag™-I seriously doubt that.I am very disturbed that they have not owned up to what they have done. Much as Toyota™ has tried to pull the wool over the public's' eyes I fear PetAg™ may be doing the same. Deirdre Ann Wilczak Member: NWRA, CWRA, NYSWRC Wild Blue Yonder Wildlife Rehab & Release http://www.cafepress.com/wildbleuyonder “Our foster wild baby animals helping to raise funds for their continued care” NYS –RVS- amended Wildlife Rehabilitator; class II Primarily Raccoons & Skunks –but there is always a soft spot for the other small, furry babies. NYS licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control

3) A Google news search of "petag fda" yielded only ONE result (http://news.google.com/news/search?aq=f&pz=1&cf=all&ned=us&hl=en&q=petag+fda), linking to a news article from Indybay.org, which is an animal rights "news" source (http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/02/02/18636816.php). Several things to consider about this: a) Indybat.org is NOT an unbiased news source - it is an animal rights website. b) If an unbiased news site (like CNN, MSNBC, or any others) didn't pick up on the story of Petag killing hundreds of puppies and kittens (which is what the food is originally for), then that's pretty weird. The unbiased news sources always pick up on puppy and kitten stories, especially if they're being killed.

4) There WAS an issue with Esbilac because they changed the formula's ratios, and the problem with KMR is that one of the trucks was left out in the sun too long and spoiled the milk. Since this was out of KMR's control, no recall was done. Here's an explanation of the problem, copied and pasted from a squirrel forum:

Here is the truth of the matter concerning the Pet AG debacle last summer. This was copied from a message sent by PJ Garner, on the squirrel list, a very dependable source, and backed up by research and independent lab testing.

Here is the truth of the matter concerning the Pet AG debacle last summer. This was copied from a message sent by PJ Garner, on the squirrel list, a very dependable source, and backed up by research and independent lab testing.

We went 'round and 'round about this last last summer. There are two parts to the overall story and I'll give it my best shot here since I haven't thought about it for a while. First is that an update of the manufacturing process for Esbilac changed its bioavailability. This increase in bioavailability is actually a good thing unless you were reconstituting the powder according to the label directions of 1:2 (which was designed for puppies only and only marginally acceptable for baby squirrels). This puppy-specific mixture caused the overall composition of the "new" Esbilac to become far too skewed for proper baby squirrel digestion. Because some rehabbers reconstituted Esbilac properly at a 1:1.5 ratio or added heavy whipping cream, reports of the effects of this change in bioavailability took time to sort through. It didn't stop many rehabbers from going off half-cocked when their babies began to develop diarrhea and they promptly blamed the product and/or the company (even though the use of Esbilac for squirrels is considered "off label"); one in particular accused Esbilac of all kinds of heinous things, none of which were true. After proper research into nutritional composition, in which I and a few others took part with NO ill effects on the squirrels in care, a new compilation of PetAg products (using Esbilac and Multi-Milk) was found to create spot-on replication of mother squirrel milk and life was good again. Well, except for the inevitable stupid people who do things like open a container of product that is obviously too old or not right and therefore spoiled but feed it to their animals anyway.

But that kind of stupidity actually leads to the second part of the story. In one of those "perfect storms" that Murphy likes to throw our way, there was another situation where AFTER a load of product left PetAg, the truck was left too long in the sun and apparently some of the KMR spoiled. Obviously, spoiled formula is not good for babies and there were problems, but these were problems NOT under the control of PetAg and therefore they were NEVER to blame. That reality, however, didn't stop those "personal issues" from clouding that particular someone's judgment and more false accusations were made. I am very, very glad to read that PetAg has been properly vindicated.

In conclusion, please, PLEASE don't believe everything you read on the internet and do your own fact-checking and research. This was sensational "news" only was meant to inaccurately discredit PetAg.

It's truly amazing what one nefarious person can try to dismantle over the the Internet. I have, since writing the previous letter, come to understand that all of this is an attack;a false,hurtful attack to harm a reputable company and nothing more. To set things straight, PetAg™ is trying to be supportive. As I mentioned they did send me some KMR™ replacement at no cost. I have to admit I was sucked into believing they were being untruthful and deceitful. This is absolutely false and I will use KMR™ this coming season because I have complete faith that if something was/is wrong with the formula they will have it totally corrected before baby season to provide our foster animals with nothing but the best KMR™. My apologies to PetAg™ for going off the deep end. Such scare tactics benefit no one but the author of such false information, you should be ashamed of yourself. Deirdre Ann Wilczak

Here is the result of the FDA investigation. It was concluded January 29, 2010. The FDA found the manufacturer to be the responsible party. Petag states they are the manufacturer. The documents are here http://www.animaladvocates.us Petag is lying through their teeth. The FDA did not say the complaint was "spurious." They said "FDA Action Indicated."

I take it they are having major financial issues. A recall would probably cause them to do a bankruptcy reorganization. They'd rather kill animals that lose a penny. They should have insurance to cover this. Perhaps in order to save even more money they did not have insurance. Anyone who says the complaint, investigation and result are not real is obviously working for the company.

I would like to add that I have used PetAg's Zoologic formula(42/25) and have noticed this past summer that something was just not right...gastrointestinal issues and then many died quickly and then others, if caught almost immediately and put on Ensure and Pedialyte, they would get better. As soon as they were re-introduced to this formula, they would go downhill FAST. I finally contacted Petag, and weirdly familiar, they said that mine has been the only complaint and it sounds like Parvo, but could I send in my open bag of formula and the remaining un-opened for testing??I said "sure" but made sure to keep some in a bag for myself. It took MANY phone calls to find out that it tested "rancid" but it could be due to the way that I handled it or the place where I ordered it, they said.(I always keep mine in the freezer until I need it and the fridge when its opened. I had 33 babies this year and went through the heartbreak of losing 16 to this product, and the only thing they want to do is replace it with more of the same...are they ^%$@## kidding??They paid for my vet bills but would not refund me for all the bags that I used because they couldnt be sure it was ALL bad(although its ALL the same lot #...go figure) I ordered Fox Valley as soon as I suspected this formula and they babies that were almost gone bounced back immediately!! The thing that I want to get out there is these symptoms really closely resembles Parvo, but with that virus, it will wipe out ALL babies. If any of you are using this formula, please check this lot code # 0499 Use before 02/2011. Petag is refusing to put anything out there about this and I am sure its because of all of the other issues with KMR and Esbilac, but if we cannot get the FDA to do anything about what they are getting away with and not even caring about all of these babies that should have never lost their lives, then we need to get the lawsuits started!!

With regard to KMR problems/FDA -- The person filing complaint couldn't give any numbers, so it's noted on the FDA form,

"There are no adverse event details for this complaint"

I extensively teach and do cat rescue, and months ago spent a lot of time looking into this case, including contacting PetAg and people who were saying they had kitten deaths due to heat damaged KMR. A couple of people on the lists I teach on did encounter the spoiled KMR, contacted PetAg, and didn't feed that powder.

There WAS a problem with some heat damaged KMR, but I truly don't think that was killing any kittens (I spoke in considerable detail with a number of people, and they were doing very bad protocols in how they bottle fed, re-using formula that had been nursed on, etc.)(I sent them good info -- mix up fresh each feeding, by shaking powder with warm water in a 1/2 cup lidded food storage container, discard any not used after feeding, boil nursing bottle etc. (easiest way to clean!)).

WHY do I think it's important to teach people to use KMR powder? Because I get lots of calls asking for help, and homemade "glop" formula is much more likely to put kittens at risk, if not handled and mixed impeccably.

We've been using, and teaching using, KMR powder throughout this time, and we have no ties to PetAg! and have had no problems.

The lack of critical thinking we can see in these internet flurries is striking. As someone else commented here, check things out for yourself!

Thank you,

Gesine

********************** "In conclusion, please, PLEASE don't believe everything you read on the internet and do your own fact-checking and research."

Did you read the report? Petag was found to be responsible for the animal sickness and death. Do you know what "adverse events" mean? If you don't, then you shouldn't have anything to do with a manufacturing plant.

Darlene Frudakis, are you awake drinking too much Greek wine and posting this stuff because you know you destroyed your company by trying to save money by making the product for much less? Darlene doesn't even visit the offices or factory. She lives in Novato, California, way far away from Illinois. All she does is travel and have fun as per online interviews. I can't believe the insane and uneducated comments by Darlene. Go to sleep.

Petag doesn't make the ONLY formulas for infant kittens, puppies or wildlife. There are at least 20 other companies that sell their formulas in pet stores. Petag does sell the MOST EXPENSIVE formulas. Their formulas cost more than human baby formulas. They cost six times more than leading brands. The other brands have the same % protein, fat, calories, nutrition. In fact, they actually have it whereas Petag just lies about it. They violated the truth in labeling act. DO NOT TRUST THIS COMPANY. Also, the COO and CEO don't even have any pets. What does that tell ya.

The FDA complaint and investigation was posted. It doesn't say "spurious" in there. Where does the FDA say "spurious?" The other side posted all of their documents. Post your documents where the FDA states this. You can't because it never happened.

After reading all the comments I am still confused. I know that I will not use Petag formula for any puppies until it is figured out. Besides, it is a lot more expensive!. So, just pick a different product!

Did YOU read the report? And what "report" are you even talking about? I can't find anything on FDA.gov about Petag AT ALL. Please show me your independent, unbiased sources for your ridiculous claims.

The FDA report is right here http://www.animaladvocates.us It clearly states Petag is responsible for the formula which sickened then killed babies. Petag is lying when they say there is no report. They have a copy of the report. They were questioned in the investigation. It's in the report.

Honest Abe, I guess you decided to ignore the part where I asked for proof from an unbiased website. So, tell me, "honest abe," why doesn't this "report" appear ANYWHERE on FDA's website? If they did do an investigation, IT WOULD BE ON THE FDA GOVERNMENT website! Citing another animal activist web article as proof is just ridiculous and unfounded as the claims you pretend are true. Get a brain and start thinking critically about what you read on the Internet. I bet you believe that you can get AIDS from a payphone, too! Lol

The FDA report was posted. There are letters there on FDA letterhead. You can call the FDA to confirm. They don't post the results of their investigations on their website. They only post when a company does their own recall. They can't force a recall.

The FDA is now investigating the other Petag formulas. They are investigating even more complaints of dead babies. Call FDA to confirm. More letters and emails will be posted.

Liz, please post a letter or report from FDA on their letterhead stating they think the formula is find and dandy. Show proof of your accusation. You have shown none because you are lying. You are probably Darlene Frudakis. How can you sleep at night knowing how many babies you have killed? They are still dying because the product is still on shelves.

What FDA report does everyone keep referencing? The one posted on the advocate website is not a report; it's a record of a complaint filed. The complaint states there were no adverse events and no follow-up measures taken. Why is everyone spazzing out so much?

Honest Person, No, I am not Darlene Frudakis. I'm just a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who has better critical thinking and research skills than you do. I have an above-average IQ and am from the generation that grew up on the internet, so I know that not everything posted online is real. This is in oppositioni to you, who apparently will believe anything you read, regardless of the source.

That is NOT an FDA report - it's an FDA COMPLAINT FORM WRITTEN BY AN ANIMAL ACTIVIST. Again, it is NOT AN OFFICIAL REPORT WRITTEN BY THE FDA. I challenge you to find the *real* FDA report. You know, the one published by FDA themselves. On a non-biased (ie, NOT an animal activist) website! Spoiler alert: You can't do it because it doesn't exist.

I have nothing to gain if PetAg is found to be right. My financial interest in the company is limited to about $40 worth of Esbilac and KMR that I have in my freezer. I have nothing to lose if PetAg is found to be wrong - I'll simply just switch to another milk formula.

However, it frustrates me to no end when rumors are spread and a company's name is thrown through the mud simply because people like yourself refuse to do any of your own research on a subject. Instead of acting intelligently, you blindly follow whatever "news" someone shoves in front of your face with no questions asked, and continue to propagate the lies. Someone had an agenda to take PetAg down because PetAg changed their Esbilac formula configurations last year and didn't notify the rehab population, so they're making shit up and finding gullible people (like you!) to believe it. It's a shitty thing to do.

I'm not affiliated with PetAg in any way, shape, or form, but I WILL stand up for the truth. I'm just a wildlife rehabber.

That is the FDA investigation report. READ IT! You obviously don't have even an average IQ. You can see that the investigation was completed and the results were that the company was guilty. Their formula was bad. It killed babies. Call up the FDA and ask. Quit posting nonsense without posting some supportive evidence.

"Honest" Person,
I'm glad you suggested I call up the FDA. I decided not to call them, because it would be hard to post the phone interview, but I DID e-mail them on Friday. Here's their response:
"Dear Elizabeth:
Thank you for contacting the Center for Veterinary Medicine. There is
no FDA investigation of Pet-Ag. The information that is appearing on
some internet blogs did not originate from FDA. We can not confirm or
substantiate it as we were not the source.
We suggest you see the following:
http://petag.com/news_detail.asp?RegID=16 or contact the company,
PetAg.
Information on recalls can be found at:
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/newpetfoodrecalls/. Recalls are
voluntary.
Sincerely,
AskCVM
AskCVM@fda.hhs.gov"

But, since words can be easily changed and screenshots aren't quite so easily doctored, here's a screenshot of my e-mail correspondences with the FDA:

That is bull. Not only was there an FDA investigation but it's ongoing. The reopened the case because so many more complaints poured in about KMR killing kittens. Darlene, you are the lowest of the low to be forging documents like that. Shame on you. There is a very hot place in hell for you. Karma.

Petag states it's the responsibility of the buyer to smell their formula to see if it's rancid or not. The product is still on the shelves and still killing kittens. This company is absolutely unethical. They should be forced to drink their own formula.